Fraud & ID Theft Protection

How We Protect Your Information

The security of your financial information is one of The First National Bank of Dieterich's most important responsibilities. We maintain our Internet banking platform using stringent information security guidelines and use many lines of defense to protect your account information. From passcodes, dual authentication, SSL, encryption software, high-end firewalls, and automatic log off, your information is always safe and secure.

Dual Authentication — Our passcode authentication process ensures that you, the legitimate user, is communicating with us and not a fraudster who does not have authority to access your online accounts.

SSL Authentication — "SSL" stands for "secure sockets layer." This technology allows users to establish sessions with secure Internet sites, meaning they have minimal risk of external violation. Once you've logged into Internet banking, our use of SSL technology keeps you and your account information secure. Only browsers supporting the SSL security protocol can be used to log on to our system.

Inactivity Logoff — Automatic log off is done automatically after 10 minutes of inactivity during an Internet banking session. If you forget to log off after your online session, we will do this for you to prevent anyone else from accessing your account.

Encryption — Encryption is the process of transforming information into coded language to make it unreadable while in transit between your computer and our network. All information entered at our website during an Internet banking session becomes a string of unrecognizable numbers. We employ the strongest forms of cryptography that are commercially available for use over the Internet, so your account information will read as gibberish to everyone but you and our financial institution.

Network Monitoring — Our computer systems are protected by a powerful firewall system that prevents unauthorized entry, and the network is monitored 24/7 by security and technology experts to ensure that we provide you with the highest level of protection.

Identity Theft Protection — Our layered approach to online security extends beyond a unique username and password, SSL encryption, a powerful firewall, technology updates, and continuous surveillance. We have additional security measures that may be activated in response to certain activities or events. If we are suspicious of any online behavior, we may restrict online access to accounts or prevent certain types of transactions. These measures safeguard your identity and your accounts. Further proof of identity may be required before online access is restored.

Debit Card Fraud Monitoring

To reduce the risk of debit card fraud, we employ the Falcon™ Fraud Management System to monitor your debit card activity. Falcon™ scores transactions based on transaction data and cardholder profile factors. Each transaction is given a score from one to 999, where the higher the score received, the greater the likelihood that the transaction is fraudulent. This score is based on individual cardholder habits and debit card industry usage. Scoring thresholds determine whether a case is created and what priority it receives for review by a fraud analyst. Analysts investigate and respond to cases created by Falcon™ within hours. First, they contact the cardholder to verify whether suspect activity was legitimate. If the cardholder cannot be reached and the Falcon™ score warrants it, a temporary block is placed on the account card. Once the cardholder verifies that a suspect transaction is legitimate, the temporary block is removed. If fraud is confirmed by the cardholder, analysts use a permanent fraud block to prevent subsequent activity.

We take numerous steps to keep your account information secure. However, you must take precautions as well:

Choose a good passcode — Your online passcode, along with your access ID, authenticate your identity when accessing online accounts. You should carefully select a passcode that is difficult to guess and not use personal information or a word that can be found in the dictionary.

Keep your passcode safe — Even the best passcode is worthless if it's written on a note attached to your computer or kept in your checkbook. Memorize your passcode and never tell it to anyone.

Change your passcode regularly — It's important to change your passcode regularly. Every time you choose a new passcode, our online banking system runs a quick program to test its safety. If we can guess it, we will immediately ask you to choose another one. We will require you to change your passcode at least every 180 days.

Remember to log off properly — You may not always be at your own computer when banking online. Therefore, it's important to log off using the "log off" link at the top of each Internet banking page. If you forget to do so, the system automatically signs you off after 10 minutes of inactivity.

If you need any assistance, you can contact us at 800-699-9766 during regular business hours or Shazam Fraud Department at 866-508-2693.

How to Protect Yourself from Online Fraud

The increased sophistication and rapid growth of online fraud continues to be a challenge. These scams appear in many forms, especially fraudulent emails and Web site, spyware and viruses, and pop-up advertisements.

Fraudulent Emails and Websites

This particular type of fraud occurs when someone poses as a legitimate company to obtain personal data, such as account numbers, and then makes transactions with this information illegally. A common form of this scam is called "phishing". Phishing refers to cyber-criminals who attempt to gather sensitive personal information from consumers through emails and/or through imitations of legitimate Web sites. To combat phishing, please remember that The First National Bank of Dieterich will never ask for sensitive information from you via e-mail (ex. Social security number, access ID, passcode or account number, or ATM/debit card number and PIN).

Spyware and Viruses

Spyware and viruses are destructive programs loaded on your computer without your permission or knowledge. Spyware appears as a legitimate application on your computer but actually monitors your activity and collects sensitive information. Viruses are harmful programs spread through the Internet that can compromise the security of your computer. Maintaining up-to-date anti-spyware and virus protection software and firewalls help avoid these risks.

Pop-Up Advertisements

Pop-ups appear in a separate browser window and, when clicked, can download harmful spyware or adware to your computer. While some make legitimate offers, many pop-ups are attempts to obtain your sensitive information. The First National Bank of Dieterich will never ask you to verify personal financial information in pop-up advertisement.

Helpful Tips to Protect You

While online banking is safe, as a general rule you should always be careful about giving out your personal financial information over the Internet. Review the following tips to protect your personal information while using the Internet.

Regularly log into your online accounts to verify that your bank, credit, and debit card statements and transactions are legitimate.

Be suspicious of any e-mail with urgent requests for personal financial information.

If you receive an unsolicited e-mail from any source asking you to click on a link to visit a site and input personal data, be very wary of it.

Be cautious about opening any attachments or downloading any files from e-mails, regardless of who sent them.

Instead of clicking on links in emails, type in the URL that you're familiar with, such as www.primebanc.com, or select the Web address saved in your browser's "Favorites".

If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is and should be avoided.

If you have any doubts about the validity of an email, contact the sender using a telephone number you know to be genuine.

Before you initiate an online transaction, make sure your personal information is protected by looking for indicators that the site is secure. URLs for secure sites typically begin with "https" instead of "http" and display a lock in the lower right corner of your browser.

Use anti-virus software and keep it up-to-date.

Make sure you have applied the latest security patches for your computer. Most software providers, like Microsoft, offer free security patches.

If you have broad-band Internet access, such as cable modem or DSL, make sure that you have a firewall.

Other Resource Websites

The Federal Trade Commission website has information for consumers and businesses on how to Deter, Detect, and Defend against identity theft. The website also includes details on how an active duty military person can place an "Active Duty Alert" on their credit report and how you to file an identity theft complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.

At Annualcreditreport.com, you are allowed one free credit report every 12 months from each of the nationwide consumer credit reporting companies: Equifax, TransUnion and Experian. You may request this report via their website, phone or mail. See details on the Annual Credit Report website.

At Antiphishing.org, you can fnd consumer advice on how to avoid phishing scams, what to do if you have given out your personal financial information, how to report phishing and also browse the phishing archives.

The Federal Bureau of Investigations website has many features which include the "Be Crime Smart" section on e-scams, warnings, reporting internet crime, common fraud schemes and other tips and suggestions.

For Your Protection

If you are presenting a check or other negotiable instrument to cash or deposit and you received it as a result of one of the following situations, please advise your teller:

Winnings from a lottery or drawing — It is illegal in the United States to play or win earning from a foreign lottery (US Code Title 18, Section 1953)

Sold something over the Internet and have been asked to wire money using the bank, Western Union, or MoneyGram, to someone other than the seller.

Sold something on the Internet using an auction site for a price greater than what you were selling it for.

Someone has asked you to cash or deposit a check for them and then wire a portion of the funds through the bank, Western Union, or MoneyGram to them or someone else.

You received a check or have been asked to wire funds in connection with a deceased family member who died in a foreign country who you did not know.

You received a check, money order, or cashier's check from someone you do not know.

You received a check from someone in a foreign country from who you have never met or only met or met through the Internet.

These are all situations which could possibly represent a fraudulent check and could cost you the amount of the check, plus additional fees if the check is identified to be fraudulent or returned to us as uncollectable.

If you are not a First National Bank of Dieterich customer or do not have compensating balances in accounts with us, we will not be able to cash your check(s) for you.

Credit Reporting Agencies

Note: By notifying one agency of fraudulent activity, you will notify all three.